If you have been accused of committing a crime in Texas and are staring a conviction down, one thing to seriously consider is how a conviction can affect your future employment opportunities. Even after you have served your sentence, the reality of a criminal record can reach far and wide for the rest of your life.
Many potential employers will run a background check before hiring you. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a background check may include some of the following information:
- History of addresses
- Current or past court or arrest warrants
- Basic information such as your name, age, license number and birth date
- State and federal tax liens
- State and federal bankruptcies
- Any misdemeanors or felonies on your record
Employers may also search for descriptive information on your body such as scars, birthmarks and tattoos, a history of marriage and divorce, any property you own and a list of known relatives. Once the employer has this information, they may choose not to employ you. Some want to avoid breaking employment laws, others consider workplace safety, and some are concerned about the security of their business.
When you are looking for a job and you know you have a criminal record, it is best to be honest about it from the beginning. You may also provide some positive references to counteract the bad information on your record. You could be able to have the charges expunged if you meet certain criteria. Past mistakes can haunt you for years to come, but employers also realize that people change over time, and you can present yourself as one of them.
This information is intended for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
